Camera lens barrel, camera module, and optical device

ABSTRACT

The present invention comprises: a base; a housing disposed at one side of the base; a lens barrel disposed inside the housing; a cover disposed at one side of the housing; a first substrate disposed at the other side of the base; an image sensor which is installed on the first substrate, and disposed below the lens barrel; a diaphragm set which is movably supported inside the housing and which adjusts the amount of light incident to the lens barrel; a first drive unit comprising a first coil and a first magnet which enable the lens barrel and the diaphragm set to move together in the optical axis direction; and a second substrate which is attached to the housing and comprises a plurality of terminals which protrude to the outside as a result of the drive of the first drive unit, wherein the diaphragm set has a second drive unit for driving the diaphragms disposed therein, and the terminals are also connected to the second drive unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. national stage application of InternationalPatent Application No. PCT/KR2017/010526, filed Sep. 25, 2017, whichclaims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of Korean Application Nos.10-2016-0122981, filed Sep. 26, 2016; 10-2016-0139119, filed Oct. 25,2016; and 10-2016-0139120, filed Oct. 25, 2016; the disclosures of eachof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present exemplary embodiment relates to a camera lens barrel, cameramodule, and an optical device.

BACKGROUND ART

The following description provides background information for thepresent exemplary embodiment and does not describe the prior art.

As various portable terminals are widely spread and commonly used, andwireless internet services has been commercialized, the demands ofconsumers related to portable terminals have been diversified andvarious kinds of additional devices have been installed in portableterminals.

As a typical example among them, there is a camera module for taking apicture or a video of a subject. Meanwhile, an auto focus (AF) functionthat automatically adjusts focus according to the distance to thesubject has been applied to a recent camera module. In addition, anoptical image stabilization (OIS) function that inhibits an image fromshaking caused by the shaking of a photographer has been applied.

Besides, configurations comprising a diaphragm for implementingadditional functions have been suggested for a camera module.

The diaphragm adjusts the degree of opening of the lens by a separateactuator, and is usually located between the front lens and the rearlens among the lens groups of the camera module, therefore theelectrical connection with the main board is continuously maintainedwith the mobility along the optical axis. Thus, there is a disadvantagein that the manufacturing cost of the total module increases.

Further, the diaphragm adjusts the degree of opening of the lens by aseparate actuator, and is usually located between the front lens and therear lens among the lens groups of the camera module, so that there is alot of difficulty in assembling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Subject

An objective of the present invention, conceived to overcome the aboveproblems, is to provide a camera module and an optical device that areeasy to manufacture since the electrical connection between a maincontrol device and a diaphragm device included in a lens barrel isconvenient

Another objective of the present invention, conceived to overcome theabove problems, is to provide a camera lens barrel wherein the combiningof the diaphragm between the front lens and the rear lens is easy, andalso the assembling of the lenses can be performed conveniently.

Technical Solution

In order to achieve the above described objectives, the presentinvention comprises: a base; a housing disposed at one side of the base;a lens barrel disposed inside the housing; a cover disposed at one sideof the housing; a first substrate disposed at the other side of thebase; an image sensor which is installed on the first substrate, anddisposed below the lens barrel; a diaphragm set which is movablysupported inside the housing and which adjusts the amount of lightincident to the lens barrel; a first drive unit comprising a first coiland a first magnet which enable the lens barrel and the diaphragm set tomove together in the optical axis direction; and a second substratewhich is attached to the housing and comprises a plurality of terminalsprotruded towards the outside for driving the first drive unit, whereinthe diaphragm set has a second drive unit for driving the diaphragmsdisposed therein, and the plurality of terminals are also connected tothe second drive unit.

Preferably, the diaphragm set comprises: a diaphragm part for adjustingthe diameter of an incident tube incident on the lens barrel; adiaphragm support unit to which the diaphragm part is fixed; and anelastic support unit having one end attached to the diaphragm supportunit and the other end fixed to the second substrate.

More preferably, a plurality of wirings are disposed in the elasticsupport unit, thereby electrically connecting the second substrate andthe second drive unit.

Yet more preferably, the second drive unit comprises a second magnet anda second coil, and the second substrate and the second coil areelectrically connected.

Preferably, the lens barrel is disposed below the diaphragm unit.

Preferably, the lens barrel comprises a first lens barrel unit and asecond lens barrel unit which are spaced apart from each other, and thediaphragm part is disposed between the first lens barrel unit and thesecond lens barrel unit.

Preferably, the first coil is mounted on the second substrate.

More preferably, it further comprises a first Hall sensor mounted on thesecond substrate.

More preferably, the first Hall sensor and the first coil areelectrically connected to the first substrate through the plurality ofterminals.

Preferably, the diaphragm set further comprises a second Hall sensordisposed inside, and the second Hall sensor is electrically connected tothe second substrate through the elastic support unit.

Preferably, the number of the plurality of terminals is four.

More preferably, the plurality of terminals comprises a power line, aground line, and two control lines.

More preferably, the two control lines are wirings for I2Ccommunication.

Preferably, the drive wirings of the first drive unit and the drivewirings of the second drive unit are electrically connected to eachother having the same characteristics.

Preferably, the diaphragm support unit comprises a plurality ofseparated parts.

Preferably, the diaphragm set further comprises a lens coupling portionto which the lens barrel is coupled, and the lens barrel is coupled tothe lens coupling portion.

Preferably, the lens barrel comprises a first lens barrel unit and asecond lens barrel unit spaced apart from each other, and the first lensbarrel unit comprises a first lens barrel portion and a second lensbarrel portion, the second lens barrel portion is coupled to the secondlens barrel unit, and the diaphragm part is disposed between the firstlens barrel unit and the second lens barrel unit.

Preferably, an infrared cut filter disposed between the lens barrel andthe image sensor is further included.

Preferably, the elastic support unit comprises: a fixing portion that isin contact with one surface of the diaphragm support unit; a verticalconnecting portion that couples with the diaphragm part; a verticaldrawing portion that couples with the second substrate; and an elasticportion disposed between the fixing portion and the vertical drawingportion and providing elastic characteristics.

More preferably, the elastic portion comprises a unit elastic portionwhich imparts an elastic characteristic by a plurality of bent portions,and two each of the unit elastic portions are disposed in a symmetricalmanner with respect to an opening portion located at the center.

Also, a main body; a display unit disposed in one surface of the mainbody; and a camera module electrically connected to the display unit areincluded, wherein the camera module comprises: a base; a housingdisposed on one side of the base; a lens barrel disposed inside thehousing; a cover disposed on one side of the housing; a first substratedisposed on the other side of the base; an image sensor mounted on thefirst substrate and disposed below the lens barrel; a diaphragm setmovably supported in the housing and adjusting an amount of lightincident on the lens barrel; a first drive unit comprising a firstmagnet and a first coil for moving the lens barrel and the diaphragm settogether in an optical axis direction; and a second substrate attachedto the housing and comprising a plurality of terminals exposed to theoutside for driving the first drive unit, wherein the second drive unitfor driving the diaphragm is disposed in the diaphragm set, and theplurality of terminals are also connected to the second drive unit.

In order to achieve the above described objectives, the presentinvention comprises: a body including an inner diameter portion throughwhich a through hole is formed; a coupling hole formed on a side surfaceof the body penetrating through the body; a separating stage locatedinside the body; a front lens group being inserted from the front of thebody and fixed inside the body; a rear lens group being inserted fromthe rear of the body and fixed to the inside of the body; and adiaphragm inserted through the coupling hole so as to adjust thediameter of the incident light.

Preferably, it is characterized in that the separating stage is formedof two members symmetrically disposed on a surface facing the inside ofthe body.

More preferably, it is characterized in that the separating stagefurther comprises an arc portion.

Preferably, it is characterized in that the body is divided into anupper section and a lower section, and further comprises a cap fixingportion coupled to the upper section and a lens cap coupled to the capfixing portion.

More preferably, it is characterized in that the cap fixing portionfurther comprises a lens hole formed in the center thereof.

Preferably, it is characterized in that the diaphragm is inserted intothe coupling hole and is located in the space between the separatingstages in the body.

Preferably, it is characterized in that the rear lens group comprises aplurality of lenses having different diameters, and the body includes aplurality of stages corresponding to diameters of the lenses located inthe inner diameter portion.

Further, the present invention comprises: a lens barrel disposed at oneside of a main body; a printed circuit board disposed at the other sideof the main body; an image sensor aligned with the optical axis of thelens barrel and mounted on the printed circuit board; and an infraredcut filter disposed between the lens barrel and the image sensor,wherein the lens barrel comprises: a body including an inner diameterportion through which a through hole is formed; a coupling hole formedpenetrating through the body on a side surface of the body; a separatingstage located inside the body; a front lens group being inserted fromthe front of the body and fixed inside the body; a rear lens group beinginserted from the rear of the body and fixed to the inside of the body;and a diaphragm inserted through the coupling hole so as to adjust thediameter of the incident tube.

In order to achieve the above objectives, an exemplary embodimentaccording to the present invention comprises: a body comprising an innerdiameter portion wherein a space is formed; a plurality of couplinggrooves formed at the same position of the side surface of the body bypenetrating the body laterally; a front lens group being inserted fromthe rear of the body and positioned in front of the body; a bracketbeing inserted into the coupling groove and penetrating through the sidesurface of the body; a rear lens group being inserted from the rear ofthe body having one side surface thereof supported by the bracket; and adiaphragm inserted into the opening portion of the bracket andpositioned between the front lens group and the rear lens group.

Preferably, it is characterized in that the body further comprises a capportion positioned at an upper end to support an upper end of the frontlens group.

More preferably, it is characterized in that the cap portion furthercomprises a front hole for exposing the front lens group at the centerthereof.

Preferably, it is characterized in that the bracket supports the entirestructure, and comprises a support comprising an opening foraccommodating the diaphragm therein, and a protruded end located at anupper end of the support.

More preferably, it is characterized in that in the support, an inclinedportion which guides the diaphragm being inserted into the opening.

Preferably, it is characterized in that the diameter of the individuallenses of the front lens group is equal to or smaller than the lensdiameter of the minimum diameter among the rear lens groups.

More preferably, it is characterized in that the rear lens groupcomprises a plurality of lenses having different diameters, and the bodycomprises a plurality of stages corresponding to diameters of the lenseslocated in the inner diameter portion.

An exemplary embodiment according to the present invention comprises: amain body; a lens barrel disposed at one side of the main body; aprinted circuit board disposed at the other side of the main body; animage sensor aligned with an optical axis of the lens barrel and mountedon the printed circuit board; and an infrared cut filter disposedbetween the lens barrel and the image sensor, wherein the lens barrelcomprises: a body comprising an inner diameter portion wherein a spaceis formed; a plurality of coupling grooves formed at the same positionof the side surface of the body by penetrating the body laterally; afront lens group being inserted from the rear of the body and positionedin front of the body; a bracket being inserted into the coupling grooveand penetrating through the side surface of the body; a rear lens groupbeing inserted from the rear of the body having one side surface thereofsupported by the bracket; and a diaphragm inserted into the openingportion of the bracket and positioned between the front lens group andthe rear lens group.

An exemplary embodiment according to the present invention comprises: amain body; a display unit disposed at one side surface of the main body;and a camera module electrically connected to the display unit, whereinthe camera module comprises: a base; a lens barrel disposed at one sideof the base; a printed circuit board disposed at the other side of thebase; an image sensor aligned with an optical axis of the lens barreland mounted on the printed circuit board; and an infrared cut filterdisposed between the lens barrel and the image sensor, and wherein thelens barrel comprises: a body comprising an inner diameter portionwherein a space is formed; a plurality of coupling grooves formed at thesame position of the side surface of the body so as to penetrate thebody laterally; a front lens group being inserted from the rear of thebody and positioned in front of the body; a bracket being inserted intothe coupling groove and penetrating through the side surface of thebody; a rear lens group being inserted from the rear of the body havingone side surface thereof supported by the bracket; and a diaphragminserted into the opening portion of the bracket and positioned betweenthe front lens group and the rear lens group.

Advantageous Effects

A camera module and an optical device according to the present inventionprovide an effect in that the terminals connected to the outside areminimized by disposing a control unit integrally formed with a sensorfor detecting the degree of opening of the diaphragm in the diaphragmpart, and also common terminals are implemented to be used for both ofthe terminals for driving the auto focusing device and the terminals fordriving the diaphragm, and are selectively driven so that the sharingand simplifying the wirings can be achieved, thereby reducing themanufacturing cost of the camera module and the optical device.

A camera lens barrel comprising the diaphragm according to the presentinvention provides an effect in that a coupling hole is formed on theside surface of the barrel, a front lens group is coupled through fromthe front of the barrel, a rear lens group is coupled through from therear of the barrel, and the diaphragm is combined through the couplinghole formed in the side surface of the barrel, and therefore the entirelens barrel manufacturing becomes very convenient.

A camera lens barrel comprising the diaphragm according to the presentinvention provides an effect in that a coupling groove is formed on theside surface of the body of the barrel, the front lens group isassembled first through the rear of the body, the bracket is insertedthrough the coupling groove, then the rear lens group is inserted andassembled, and finally the diaphragm is inserted into the opening of thebracket to complete the entire barrel assembly, and therefore, theassembling of the lens groups and the diaphragm becomes very convenient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a camera moduleaccording to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an assembled view of a camera module according to the firstexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a diaphragm set included in thecamera module of the first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a diaphragm included in the cameramodule according to the first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an elastic supporting unit includedin the camera module according to the first exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is an assembled view showing the entire configuration of a cameralens barrel having a diaphragm device according to a second exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a body included in a camera lensbarrel having a diaphragm device according to the second exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a separating stage included in acamera lens barrel having a diaphragm device according to the secondexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a coupling hole included in acamera lens barrel having a diaphragm device according to the secondexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an assembled view showing an overall configuration of acamera lens barrel having a diaphragm device according to a thirdexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a body included in a camera lensbarrel having a diaphragm device according to the third exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a bracket included in a camera lens barrelhaving a diaphragm device according to the third exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 13a-13c are explanatory views showing a procedure for assembling acamera lens barrel having a diaphragm device according to the thirdexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to exemplary drawings. In describing thecomponents in the drawings, the same components are denoted by the samereference numerals whenever possible, even if they are shown on otherdrawings.

In describing the components of the exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used.These terms are merely intended to distinguish the components from othercomponents, and the terms do not limit the nature, order or sequence ofthe components. When a component is described as being “connected,”“coupled,” or “jointed” to another component, the component may bedirectly connected, coupled, or jointed to the other component, however,it should be understood that another element may be “connected,”“coupled,” or “jointed” between components.

The “optical axis direction” used below is defined as the optical axisdirection of the lens module in a state of being coupled to the lensdriving device. On the other hand, “optical axis direction” can be usedin combination with “vertical direction,” “z-axis,” and the like.

The “autofocus function” used below is defined as a function thatautomatically matches the focus on a subject by adjusting the distanceto the image sensor by moving the lens module along the optical axisaccording to the distance of the subject so that a clear image of thesubject can be obtained on the image sensor. On the other hand, “autofocus” can be used in combination with “auto focus (AF)”.

The “camera shake correction function” used below is defined as afunction of moving or tilting the lens module in the directionperpendicular to the optical axis direction so as to cancel thevibration (motion) generated in the image sensor by an external force.On the other hand, “camera shake correction” can be used in combinationwith “optical image stabilization (OIS)”.

Hereinafter, preferred exemplary embodiments of the present inventionwill be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The camera module 100 having a diaphragm device according to the firstexemplary embodiment of the present invention has an outline as shown inFIG. 1.

A first substrate 2 having a rectangular box-shaped outline, a lensdisposed at the center of the front surface, and a rear surface mountedwith various components for image signal processing and the like, isdisposed, however, the outline may be changed to other type of shape.

Meanwhile, the camera module 100, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a housing 10formed with a space therein is disposed at front side with respect tothe base 1, and a first substrate 2 is disposed at rear side.

At this time, the base 1 is configured to have a size sufficient toaccommodate the area of the back surface of the housing 10, and arectangular through hole is formed at the center, so that an imagesensor to be mounted on the first substrate 2 can be exposed to the lensthrough the through hole.

Further, an infrared cut filter is disposed between the lens and theimage sensor.

Meanwhile, the housing 10 may have a rectangular box shape, or may bechanged to another shape if necessary, and a space for accommodatingother members therein is formed, and an opening portion 11 is formed ata side surface thereof.

A lens set 90 is disposed in the inner space of the housing 10 and thelens set 90 is movable along the front-to-rear direction forautofocusing within the housing 10.

Of course, the conventional lens driving devices for auto focusing maybe separately disposed inside the housing 10, and a bobbin or the likefor driving the lens may also be mounted on the outer surface of thelens set 90, and thereby performs the moving function of the lens set90.

If necessary, it may be implemented by a first magnet fixed to the lensset 90, a first coil corresponding to the first magnet provided on theside of the housing 10, and a first driving unit comprising a first Hallsensor which recognizes the position of the lens set 90.

At this time, a guide ball or the like having a low frictioncharacteristic is disposed between the lens set 90 and the housing 10.

That is, the lens set 90 is transported along the up-down directionwithin the housing 10 by the first drive unit.

Meanwhile, the lens set 90 is disposed with a first lens barrel unit 20at front thereof, a diaphragm set 50 at the rear side of the first lensbarrel unit 20, and a second lens barrel unit 30 at the rear side of thediaphragm set 50, respectively.

The lens barrel comprising the first lens barrel unit 20 and the secondlens barrel unit 30 comprises a plurality of unit lenses, and the numberof lenses is not particularly limited.

Here, the diaphragm set 50 performs the role of supporting the entirelens set 90 while contacting the inner surface of the housing 10.

The lens barrel, that is, the first lens barrel unit 20 and the secondlens barrel unit 30, is disposed in a way that the optical axes arealigned with each other, and the diaphragm set 50 also performs thebasic function of a diaphragm to adjust the diameter of an incidentlight into the first lens barrel unit 20.

Once the lens set 90 is assembled inside the housing 10, a cover 80 iscoupled to the front side of the housing 10.

The cover 80 may be implemented in the form of a shield can that shieldsthe electromagnetic waves, and at the center thereof a circular hole isformed so that the front of a unit lens located at the end of the firstlens barrel unit 20 may be exposed externally, and the end thereof iscoupled with the housing 10 and secured.

As shown in FIG. 3, the diaphragm set 50 is constructed first with adiaphragm support unit 51.

The diaphragm support unit 51 is seated on the inner surface of thehousing 10 and can move along the front-to-rear direction within thehousing 10 and serves as a structure for supporting the entire diaphragmset 50.

Further, a first magnet, which is a component of the first drive unit,is fixed.

In addition, if necessary, it may be configured to be a type wherein aplurality of members are mutually coupled, and a receiving part 52 isformed at the center so that a diaphragm part 60 can be seated therein.

The diaphragm part 60 is coupled to the receiving part 52 and a guideportion 53 is formed to facilitate the coupling of the diaphragm part60. The guide portion 53 is configured such that the diaphragm part 60is inserted therein and guided thereby. However, if necessary, the guideportion 53 may be implemented using a projection or the like.

The diaphragm support unit 51 is formed with a first lens couplingportion at front wherein the first lens barrel unit 20 is seated, andcomprises a second lens coupling portion at rear wherein the second lensbarrel unit 30 is seated.

Of course, the first lens coupling portion and the second lens couplingportion may be formed of a conventional coupling structure such as aprotrusion, a step portion, or the like which can be simply coupled withthe first lens barrel unit 20 and the second lens barrel unit 30.

The diaphragm set 50 comprises a diaphragm part 60 shown in FIG. 4, andthe diaphragm part 60 is configured to comprise a body portion 61 formedwith a hole 62 whose center coincides with the optical axis of the lensof the first lens barrel unit 20.

In addition, it comprises an adjustment portion 63 comprising a bladeunit (not shown) for adjusting the degree of opening of the hole 62 anda second drive unit comprising a second magnet and a second coil forcoupling with the blade unit for operating thereof, and comprises asecond Hall sensor 64 for recognizing the operation position of thecontrol portion 63.

The second hall sensor 64 senses a change in magnetic force of theadjustment portion 63 according to the position of the second magnet andrecognizes the degree of opening of the adjustment portion 63.

Therefore, the operating position of the adjustment portion 63 isrecognized by the signal of the second Hall sensor 64, the position ofthe blade unit is determined according to the operating position of theadjustment portion 63, and finally the opening degree of the hole 62 canbe recognized.

The configuration of the diaphragm part 60 described above is the sameas that of a normal diaphragm, and the blade unit can be implemented invarious forms, however, in the case of a small camera device, it ispreferable to be implemented in a form wherein two blade units aredisposed symmetrically to control the degree of opening of the hole 62.

Meanwhile, the diaphragm part 60 according to the present invention, inaddition to the above constituting elements, further comprises a controlportion 69 for controlling the degree of opening of the adjustmentportion 63 by processing signals of the second hall sensor 64.

That is, the control portion 69 controls the adjustment portion 63 basedon the signal from the second Hall sensor 64, thereby controlling thedegree of the opening of the hole 62.

The control portion 69 may be configured separately, but may beconfigured to comprise the second Hall sensor 64 embedded therein, ifnecessary.

In this case, the control portion 69 is preferably disposed at aposition where the second Hall sensor 64 is located.

According to the configuration of the control portion 69 as describedabove, it is not necessary to export the signal of the second hallsensor 64 to the outside, therefore, if the diaphragm part 60 isconfigured to be connected to the output terminals using four wirings,that is, one power line, one ground line, and two control lines, theentire control becomes possible only by connecting the external controldevice to the output terminals.

The two control lines may be implemented as communication lines forInter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) communication, and at this time, thecontrol portion 69 is configured to comprise a communication module forthe I2C communication.

In addition, when the first drive unit for auto-focusing is included, itis preferable to dispose the second Hall sensor 64, or the controlportion 69 comprising the Hall sensor 64 is located at a position wherethe interference of the first magnet is minimized, so that the operatingposition of the second magnet of the adjustment portion 63 is detected.

Meanwhile, the diaphragm set 50 comprises an elastic support unit 70 asillustrated in FIG. 5.

The elastic support unit 70 is composed of FPCB and comprises: a fixingportion 71 which is in contact with one surface of the diaphragm supportunit 51; a vertical coupling portion 72 which couples with the diaphragmpart 60; a vertical drawing portion 73 coupled to a drawing member 40;and an elastic portion 75 comprising a plurality of unit elasticportions 74 disposed between the fixing portion 71 and the verticalcoupling portion 72 to provide elastic characteristics.

Of course, the elastic support unit 70 may be formed in the shape of aflat plate initially so that when assembled, the vertical couplingportion 72 and the vertical drawing portion 73 are folded and coupledthereto, however, if necessary, it also may be manufactured in aninitially bent form.

In the elastic support unit 70, four wirings are disposed at thevertical coupling portion 72, the fixing portion 71, the elastic portion75, and the vertical drawing portion 73.

The wiring of the vertical connecting portion 72 is electricallyconnected to the diaphragm part 50, and the wiring of the verticaldrawing portion 60 is connected to the four terminals 41 disposed on thesurface of the drawing member 40, respectively.

The elastic portion 75 is configured to include unit elastic portions 74spaced apart from each other, and the unit elastic portions 74 areconfigured to be composed of a plurality of bent portions to impart anappropriate elasticity thereto, thereby corresponding to the movement ofthe lens set 90.

Meanwhile, the second substrate 40 is coupled to the opening portion 11formed on the side surface of the housing 10. Four terminals 41 extendedvertically are attached to the surface of the second substrate 40. Thevertical drawing portion 73 of the elastic supporting unit 70 contactsthe second substrate 40, and at the same time, the vertical drawingportion 73 are electrically connected to the terminals 41.

On the rear surface of the second substrate 40, the first coil isdisposed, and a first Hall sensor is located at the center of the firstcoil, thereby corresponding to the first magnet attached to thediaphragm support unit of the lens set 90, and performs up-downtransport of the entire lens set 90.

The first coil and the first Hall sensor are electrically connected tothe lower terminal 41, and the upper terminal 41 and the lower terminal41 are electrically connected through soldering so that the first driveunit and the second drive unit are configured to share the same wiring.

Further, both ends of the second substrate 40 are mounted on the firstsubstrate 2 and interlocked with an external control device, and thefirst and second drive units can be selectively driven by I2Ccommunication with the control device.

On the other hand, in the case of the lens driving device, that is, thefirst drive unit, for auto focusing, the number of power lines beingused may vary depending on the driving method, however, as describedabove, most types of power lines are configured to include a power line,a ground line, and two communication lines for I2C communication.

That is, since four wirings are used and the properties of each wiringare also the same as those used for the diaphragm set 50 according tothe present invention, the first drive unit and the diaphragm set 50,that is the second drive unit, according to the present invention, andtherefore, there is an advantage in that the terminals can be used incommon. This allows that both devices can be implemented through thesame terminal according to the characteristics of I2C communication,thereby reducing the soldering pad, and besides, there is an advantagein that the risk of UV curing during active alignment can be minimizedaccording to the overall structural characteristics.

On the other hand, even when the number of wirings of the lens drivingdevice is less than four, the same advantage is obtained in the case ofsharing the common terminals with the wiring of the diaphragm set 50according to the property of the wiring.

Hereinafter, the optical device according to the present first exemplaryembodiment will be described.

The optical device may be a hand phone, a mobile phone, a smart phone, aportable smart device, a digital camera, a laptop computer, a digitalbroadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portablemultimedia player (PMP), navigation, and the like. However, it is notlimited thereto, and any device for capturing an image or a photographis possible.

The optical device may comprise a main body (not shown), a display unit(not shown), and a camera module 100.

The main body can form the appearance of the optical device. The mainbody may comprise, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape.However, it is not limited thereto. Alternatively, at least a portion ofthe main body may be rounded. The main body can accommodate the cameramodule 100. A display unit may be disposed on one side of the main body.

The camera module 100 may be disposed in the main body. The cameramodule 100 may be disposed on one side of the main body. At least a partof the camera module 100 may be accommodated inside the main body. Thecamera module 100 can take an image of a subject. The camera module 100may be electrically connected to the display unit.

The display unit may be disposed in the main body. The display unit maybe disposed on one side of the main body. That is, the display unit maybe disposed on the same plane as the camera module 100. Alternatively,the display unit may be disposed on a side different from the one sideof the main body. At least a part of the display unit can beaccommodated in the main body. The display unit may be disposed on aside opposite to the side where the camera module 100 is disposed. Thedisplay unit may output an image or an image signal captured by thecamera module 100 as a visualized image or an image.

Hereinafter, the second preferred exemplary embodiment according to thepresent invention will be described in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

A camera lens barrel 200 comprising a diaphragm device according to thesecond exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises: a body210 having the shape of a cylinder; a lens cap 220 being inserted fromthe front side of the body 210; a coupling hole 240 formed in a sidesurface of the body 210; a separating stage 250 formed on an innersurface of the body 210; a front lens group 201 being inserted from thefront side of the body 210; a rear lens group 202 being inserted fromthe rear side of the body 210; and a diaphragm 260 coupled through acoupling hole 240.

First, the body 210 has an inner diameter portion in the form of athrough hole, thereby possibly accommodating other members.

Although the body 210 is disclosed as a cylindrical shape, it may beformed in other shapes as needed. The inner diameter portion formedinside the body 210 may also be formed in a cylindrical shape or othershapes as necessary.

At this time, the front lens group 201 and the rear lens group 202 to beinserted are shaped so as to coincide with the shape of the innerdiameter portion of the body 210.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the body 210 is divided into an upper section211 and a lower section 212, and it is preferable to be configured in away that the upper section 211 may have a smaller diameter than thelower section 212, and the diameter of the inner diameter portion isconfigured to be different depending on the diameters of the front lensgroup 201 and the rear lens group 202 to be coupled.

Especially, in the inner diameter portion of the lower section 212, aplurality of stages having different diameters are formed for theseating of the rear lens group 202 composed of a plurality of lenseshaving different diameters, and at this time, lenses are insertedsequentially from the one having a smaller diameter.

The body 210 comprises a separating stage 250 located at the innerdiameter portion, and the separating stage 250 is located inside theupper section 211 and one surface thereof is located at the surfaceinterfacing between the lower section 212 and the upper section 211.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the separating stage 250 is composed of twomembers having the same shape, which are disposed to face each other inthe lateral direction on the inner side of the inside of the body 210.

In addition, a circular arc portion 251 is formed at the center of theseparating stage 250 with the center of the inner diameter of the body210 as the origin.

The separating stage 250 may be made of the same material as the body210 and may be integrally formed with the body 210 if necessary.

In the case of a synthetic resin material, it is advantageous from amanufacturing point of view that the body 210 and the separating stage250 are configured to be formed through an injection molding methodusing a single material, however, it is also possible that they may becomposed of different materials and manufactured by combining through aseparate attachment process.

Meanwhile, the front lens group 201 is inserted from the front side ofthe body 210, and the downward movement of the front lens group 201 inthe downward direction is limited by the separating stage 250, and thefront side is fixed by a lens cap 220.

At this time, the lens cap 220 is coupled to a cap fixing portion 230formed on the upper section 211 of the body 210, and is fixed to eachother by a method such as bonding and the like, if necessary.

Accordingly, the front lens group 201 is fixed inside the body 210 bythe separating stage 250 and the lens cap 220.

At this time, a separate lens hole 221 may be formed at the center ofthe lens cap 220, and it may be implemented in a way that a protrudedportion of the lens located at the upper end of the lens of the frontlens group 201 is inserted into the lens hole 221.

Although the front lens group 201 is described as two lenses and therear lens group 202 as four lenses, the number of lenses can be changedas needed.

The optical axis of the front lens group 201 and the optical axis of therear lens group 202 are preferably aligned with the central axis of thebody 210.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 9, two coupling holes 240 are located atwhere the separating stage 250 is formed inside the side surface of thebody 210 so as to oppose against each other.

The coupling hole 240 serves as an opening of the body 210 and thecoupling space of the coupling holes 240 is the same as the open spaceof the separating stage 250.

Also, if necessary, the coupling hole 240 may be formed only on one sidesurface of the body 210.

Meanwhile, in the body 210 wherein the coupling hole 240 is formed, apartially cut outer end 241 is formed, and preferably, the outer end 241is formed at a right angle with respect to the optical axis.

Further, since the diaphragm 260 is inserted into the coupling hole 240and is perpendicular to the optical axis of the outer end 241, thediaphragm 260 can be easily assembled. It is advantageous in that thecoupling position of the diaphragm 260 can be accurately set, especiallywhen the portion where the one end of the diaphragm 260 is located ismarked on the outer end 241 or a stopper is formed.

Meanwhile, in the case of forming the single coupling hole 240, if theend of the diaphragm 260 to be inserted into the body 210 is formed ofan arc having the same curvature as the inner diameter of the body 210,it is advantageous in that precise coupling within the body 210 can beachieved.

The diaphragm 260 includes a diaphragm for adjusting the opening area,an actuator for adjusting the degree of opening of the diaphragm, acontrol line for controlling the operation of the actuator, and a sensorunit for recognizing the degree of opening of the diaphragm. And acommon diaphragm structure for adjusting the degree of opening of thediaphragm portion by a separate control unit.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the third exemplaryembodiment of the present invention will be described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings.

A first exemplary example of the camera lens barrel 300 comprising adiaphragm device according to a third exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, as illustrated in FIG. 10, comprises: a body 310having the shape of a cylinder; a coupling groove 340 formed on a sidesurface of the body 310; a front lens group 301 being inserted from therear of the body 310 and positioned at the front side within the body310; a rear lens group 302 being inserted from the rear of the body 310and positioned in rear side within the body 310; a bracket 370 beinginserted into the coupling groove 340 after the insertion of the frontlens group 310 but prior to the insertion of the rear lens group 302;and an aperture 360 coupled to the inside of the bracket 370.

First, the body 310 has an inner diameter portion in the form of athrough hole to accommodate other members.

Although the body 310 has been described as a cylindrical shape, it maybe formed in other shapes as required, and the inner diameter portionformed in the body 310 may also be cylindrical or may have other shapesas necessary.

The front lens group 301 and the rear lens group 302, which are insertedat this time, are shaped so as to match the shape of the inside of thebody 310.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the body 310 is divided into an upper section311 and a lower section 312. The diameter of the upper section 311 ispreferably smaller than the diameter of the lower section 312, and thediameter of the inner diameter portion is configured to vary dependingon the diameters of the front lens group 301 and the rear lens group 302which are to be coupled.

The upper section 311 is formed with a cap portion 320 to support thefront lens group 301 to be inserted, and a front hole 321 is formed atthe center of the cap portion 320 to expose the front lens group 301towards the outside.

A plurality of stages having different diameters are formed in the innerdiameter portion of the lower section 312 for the seating of the rearlens group 302 composed of a plurality of lenses having differentdiameters, and at this time, the lenses are inserted sequentially fromthe one having a smaller diameter.

On the other hand, the front lens group 301 is inserted from the lowerend of the body 310 and is supported by the cap portion 320.

Therefore, the front lens group 301 is configured to be equal to orsmaller than the lens having smallest diameter of the rear lens group302.

Here, it is disclosed as the front lens group 301 has two lenses and therear lens group 302 has four lenses, but the number of lenses can bechanged as needed.

The optical axis of the front lens group 301 and the optical axis of therear lens group 302 are preferably aligned with the central axis of thebody 310.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 11, two coupling grooves 340are positioned in the direction opposing against each other at the upperside of lower section 312 of the body 310.

The coupling grooves 340 serve as openings of the body 310 and the firstlens group 301 and the second lens group 302 are not located in thespace connecting the two coupling grooves 340.

The body 310 formed with the coupling groove 340 is formed with an outerend 341 partially cut away, and preferably, the outer end 341 is formedat a right angle with respect to the optical axis.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, a bracket 370 is inserted into the onecoupling groove 340, and the bracket 370 is inserted into an empty spacein which the lens groups 301 and 302 are not located in the body 310,and is exposed through the other coupling groove 340.

The bracket 370 is formed in the shape of a letter “

” having the same thickness and comprises a support 371 provided with anopening 372, a protruded end 373 upwardly protruding from the uppersurface of the support 371, and an inclined portion 374 formed on bothends of the support 371.

A diaphragm 360 is positioned in the opening 372 formed in the support371 and the inclined portion 374 guides the insertion of the diaphragm360 accurately.

The protruded end 373 serves as a stopper when inserting the bracket 370into the coupling groove 340 and serves to guide the precise coupling ofthe bracket 370, and since the protruded end 373 is located at the upperend of the support 371, the opening 372 is exposed at the end of thesupport 371.

Of course, the bracket 370 is assembled in such a manner that thebracket 370 is inserted into the coupling groove 340 firstly from theopposite side with respect to the protruded end 373 is formed, and whennecessary, the bracket 370 is coupled to the body 310 through bonding orthe like.

If necessary, a diaphragm groove 375 may be formed on the inner surfaceof the support 371 of the bracket 370 so that a portion of both sidesurfaces of the diaphragm 360 can be inserted, and it is preferable thatthe diaphragm groove 375 is formed so as to extend up to the correctcoupling position of the diaphragm.

After the bracket 370 is coupled to the body 310, the diaphragm 360 isinserted through the lower end of the protruded end 373 of the opening372 of the bracket 370.

At this time, if a diaphragm groove 375 is formed at the inner surfaceof the support 371, the diaphragm 360 is inserted into the diaphragmgroove 375.

If necessary, the diaphragm 360 may also be fixed to the bracket 370 byseparate bonding or the like to inhibit separation.

Here, the diaphragm 360 comprises a diaphragm for adjusting the openingarea, an actuator for adjusting the degree of opening of the diaphragm,a control line for controlling the operation of the actuator, and asensor unit for recognizing the degree of opening of the diaphragm, andthereby configured to include a typical diaphragm structure foradjusting the degree of opening of the diaphragm part by a separatecontrol unit.

Meanwhile, the camera lens barrel 300 according to the presentinvention, as illustrated in FIG. 4, first, once the body 310 isprepared, the front lens group 301 is inserted from the rear of the body310. Next, the bracket 370 is inserted into the coupling groove 340, thebracket 370 is fixed to the body 310, and thereafter, the rear lensgroup 302 is sequentially inserted and fixed. Later, the diaphragm 360is inserted into the bracket 370 and fixed.

At this time, if necessary, the diaphragm 360 may be coupled immediatelyafter the bracket 370 is coupled to the body 310.

Accordingly, it is advantageous in that, the bracket 370 serves tosupport the lower end lens of the front lens group 301 and the upper endlens of the rear lens group 302, and at the same time, the diaphragm 360can be conveniently combined.

Meanwhile, the camera lens barrels 200 and 300 according to the secondand third exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be appliedto a small-sized camera module for a portable terminal, and at thistime, it is coupled to the bobbin among the driving devices, and ifnecessary, an autofocusing device, an image stabilization device, andthe like may be additionally provided, and it may be implemented as aconfiguration including a printed circuit board comprising an imagesensor for changing an optical lens mounted on the lens barrels 200 and300 into an image, an infrared cut filter, and the like.

For example, the lens barrels 200 and 300 are disposed on one side ofthe base forming the entire structure of the camera module.

An image sensor is disposed on the other side of the body where the lensbarrels 200 and 300 are disposed, and the image sensor being alignedwith the optical axis of the lens barrels 200 and 300 and mounted on thesubstrate is disposed.

Further, an infrared cut filter may be disposed between the lens barrels200 and 300 and the image sensor, thereby constituting a final cameramodule.

Also, the camera module may be implemented as one exemplary embodimentof the following optical device.

In here, the optical device may be a hand phone, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a portable smart device, a digital camera, a laptop computer, adigital broadcasting terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), aportable multimedia player (PMP), navigation, and the like. However, itis not limited thereto, and any device for capturing an image or aphotograph is possible.

The optical device may comprise a main body (not shown), and the abovedescribed camera module.

The main body can form the appearance of the optical device. The mainbody may comprise, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape.However, it is not limited thereto. Alternatively, at least a portion ofthe main body may be rounded. The main body can accommodate the cameramodule. A display unit may be disposed on one side of the main body.

The camera module may be disposed in the main body. The camera modulemay be disposed on one side of the main body. At least a portion of thecamera module may be accommodated in the main body. The camera modulecan take an image of a subject. The camera module may be electricallyconnected to the display unit.

The display unit may be disposed in the main body. The display unit maybe disposed on one side of the main body. That is, the display unit maybe disposed on the same plane as the camera module. Alternatively, thedisplay unit may be disposed on a side different from the one side ofthe main body. At least a part of the display unit can be accommodatedin the main body. The display unit may be disposed on a side opposite tothe side where the camera module is disposed. The display unit mayoutput an image or an image signal captured by the camera module as avisualized image or an image.

In the above, to have been described as all the components that make upthe exemplary embodiments of the present invention may operate incombination, or combined into one, but the invention is not necessarilylimited to these examples. That is, if the object in the scope of thepresent invention, may be that all of the components are selectivelyoperates in conjunction with more than one. In addition, terms such as“inclusive and”, “is configured” or “have” described above is because,which means that unless there is a particular of stated that, thecomponent can be embedded, except for the different components it shouldnot be construed to further include other components. All terms,including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning ascommonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention belongs, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, suchas predefined terms, should be interpreted to be consistent with thecontextual meanings of the related art, and are not to be construed asideal or excessively formalistic, unless expressly defined to thecontrary.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A camera module comprising: a base; ahousing disposed at one side of the base; a lens barrel disposed in thehousing; a cover disposed at one side of the housing; a first substratedisposed at an other side of the base; an image sensor installed on thefirst substrate, and disposed below the lens barrel; a diaphragm setmovably supported in the housing and that adjusts the amount of lightincident to the lens barrel; a first drive unit comprising a first coiland a first magnet that enable the lens barrel and the diaphragm set tomove together in an optical axis direction; and a second substratedisposed on the housing and comprising a plurality of terminalsprotruding towards an outside for driving the first drive unit, whereina second drive unit for driving the diaphragm is disposed in thediaphragm set, wherein the plurality of terminals are connected to thesecond drive unit, wherein the diaphragm set comprises a diaphragm partfor adjusting a diameter of an incident tube incident on the lensbarrel, a diaphragm support unit to which the diaphragm part is fixed,and an elastic support unit having one end attached to the diaphragmsupport unit and an other end fixed to the second substrate, and whereinthe elastic support unit comprises a fixing portion that is in contactwith one surface of the diaphragm support unit, a vertical connectingportion that couplies with the diaphragm part, a vertical drawingportion that couples with the second substrate, and an elastic portiondisposed between the fixing portion and the vertical drawing portion andproviding elastic characteristics.
 2. The camera module according toclaim 1, wherein the vertical connecting portion extends away from thefixing portion in a first direction, and wherein the vertical drawingportion extends away from the elastic portion in the first direction. 3.The camera module according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of wiringsare disposed in the elastic support unit, thereby electricallyconnecting the second substrate and the second drive unit.
 4. The cameramodule according to claim 3, wherein the second drive unit comprises asecond magnet and a second coil, and the second substrate and the secondcoil are electrically connected.
 5. The camera module according to claim4, wherein the diaphragm set comprises a second Hall sensor disposed inthe diaphragm set, and wherein the second Hall sensor is electricallyconnected to the second substrate through the elastic support unit. 6.The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the lens barrel isdisposed below the diaphragm part.
 7. The camera module according toclaim 1, wherein the lens barrel comprises a first lens barrel unit anda second lens barrel unit that are spaced apart from each other, and thediaphragm part is disposed between the first lens barrel unit and thesecond lens barrel unit.
 8. The camera module according to claim 1,wherein the first coil is disposed on the second substrate.
 9. Thecamera module according to claim 8, comprising a first Hall sensordisposed on the second substrate.
 10. The camera module according toclaim 9, wherein the first Hall sensor and the first coil areelectrically connected to the first substrate through the plurality ofterminals.
 11. The camera module according to claim 1, wherein theplurality of terminals comprises a power line, a ground line, and twocontrol lines.
 12. The camera module according to claim 11, wherein thetwo control lines are wirings for I2C communication.
 13. The cameramodule according to claim 1, wherein drive wirings of the first driveunit and drive wirings of the second drive unit are electricallyconnected to each respective other having the same characteristics. 14.The camera module according to claim 1, wherein the diaphragm supportunit comprises a plurality of separated parts.
 15. The camera moduleaccording to claim 1, wherein the diaphragm set comprises a lenscoupling portion to which the lens barrel is coupled.
 16. The cameramodule according to claim 15, wherein the lens coupling portioncomprises a first lens coupling portion and a second lens couplingportion, wherein the lens barrel comprises a first lens barrel unit anda second lens barrel unit spaced apart from each other, and wherein thefirst lens barrel unit is coupled to the first lens coupling portion,and the second lens barrel unit is coupled to the second lens couplingportion, and the diaphragm part is disposed between the first lensbarrel unit and the second lens barrel unit.
 17. The camera moduleaccording to claim 1, comprising an infrared cut filter disposed betweenthe lens barrel and the image sensor.
 18. The camera module according toclaim 1, wherein the second substrate comprises first and second partscoupled to the first substrate and spaced apart from each other, andwherein a portion of the elastic support unit is disposed between thefirst part and the second part.
 19. The camera module according to claim18, wherein the elastic portion comprises a unit elastic portion thatimparts an elastic characteristic by a plurality of bent portions, andtwo each of the unit elastic portions are disposed in a symmetricalmanner with respect to an opening portion located at a center betweenthe two unit elastic portions.
 20. An optical device comprising: a mainbody; a display unit disposed on one surface of the main body; and thecamera module according to claim 1 electrically connected to the displayunit.